The 2024 Joint Apprenticeship Conference (JAC) kicked off in late June in Orlando, Fla., bringing together JATC Coordinators, Trainers and their families from across the U.S. and Canada. 

With about 85 delegates in attendance from more than 50 different HFIAW Locals, this yearly conference is a time for JATC coordinators and trainers to come together for peer learning and instruction and to hear from industry partners. The goal of the event is for attendees to leave with further knowledge and new ideas to take back and enhance their home Locals. 

The event began with a warm welcome reception dinner and an ice cream social, setting the stage for a week of collaboration, learning and camaraderie.

IIIATF Administrator John L. Stahl, III, welcomed the attendees and expressed his excitement for the week ahead. General President Terry Larkin followed and emphasized how important training and development are the the HFIAW. 

He was followed by Mid-Atlantic States Conference International Vice President Brian Cavey, a former JAC Steering Committee member. During an inspiring dedication, he shared his passion for training. 

“Training is the heart of our union’s future. Every skill we pass on, every lesson we teach, builds not just a stronger workforce but a stronger brotherhood,” Cavey said. “I’m proud to have been a part of shaping that future.”

Stahl then introduced the Master Apprentice Competition (MAC) participants to the group and their Training Coordinators. After some group pictures were taken, the group took a quick break before diving back into more informative sessions. The MAC competitors were dismissed to return to their projects. 

Instructor Enhancement

The first session was led by former Local 17 Training Coordinator Robert McGuckin, now serving as the International Director of Membership Development, and IIIATF Assistant Administrator Sam Tafolla. The pair discussed and promoted the Instructor Enhancement Program. 

They outlined the benefits of attending a week of training for five consecutive years and explained how the classes elevate the quality of training across the union. 

“Our commitment to continuous improvement is what sets us apart,” Tafolla said. “The Trainer Enhancement classes are a cornerstone of our efforts to maintain the highest standards.”

JATC Standardization Survey

IIIATF Administrator Stahl then introduced a new tool designed to help individual JATCs perform of self-audit of their program. The JATC Standardization Survey was created to help create consistency and excellence in the training provided across all local programs. 

By completing the survey, Training Coordinators can identify areas where they excel and areas that need improvement.

“Standardization is key to our success,” Stahl said. “This survey will help us identify areas for improvement and ensure that every apprentice receives the best possible training.”

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Presentation

Next up was Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Executive Director Martin Helms, who discussed the program’s importance. After his presentation, Helms worked individually with JATC Coordinators to ensure their programs were up-to-date in the H2H system. 

“Our veterans bring invaluable skills and discipline to the trade,” Helms said. “It’s our duty to support their transition and integration into the workforce.”

Grants and Funding Opportunities

Mike Schurr from PTM Consultants discussed the various grant opportunities available to JATCs and encouraged attendees to seek out and explore additional funding sources.

“Securing grants can significantly enhance your training programs,” he said. “It’s about being proactive and ready to seize these opportunities.”

LMCT Initiatives

Next was Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini, who introduced the LMCT’s Jobsite Leadership and Marketing Course, including its objectives and benefits. The online course aims to develop a well-rounded Mechanical Insulator who understands concepts such as leadership, jobsite documents, time management, effective communication, building relationships and marketing.

“Jobsite Leadership and Marketing is more about awareness than training,” said Ielmini. “Our apprenticeship programs do a tremendous job instructing the hard skills of mechanical insulation, but we also need to work on the soft skills as well. 

“Marketing should not just be the responsibility of a few. We have over 23,000 marketing agents in the field to promote and market the insulation industry. This program emphasizes the utilization of everybody’s talents and personality, and we all need to realize that … every job we are on is an opportunity to get another.” 

Ielmini was then joined by Gina Higgin, Perspectives Executive Account Manager, and Richard Jones, YouTurn Chief Clinical Officer, to lead an informative session about the International Members Assistance Program (IMAP). They discussed the support and resources available to members and their families, highlighting the program’s role in promoting well-being within the union.

IMAP helps members of the Insulators Union and their family members by providing both the short-term and long-term care needed to address and treat mental health and addiction issues. It also provides suicide prevention services.

Members can access IMAP by visiting the website, insulatorsIMAP.com, or by calling 1-800-456-6327.

“Sometimes we all must remember the true understanding of our labor unions, and that is to provide a quality way of life to our working families,” Ielmini said. “IMAP provides assistance to life’s problems that are not easily recognized or even understood. IMAP provides confidential assistance to members or their families. With this information, a member can also help another Brother or Sister. You never know when, but you might save a life.”

Learning Layouts

Local 17 Training Coordinator Sean Craven, Local 17 Trainer Ben Frank and Local 16 Training Coordinator Jonathan Blaine led a hands-on layout session designed specifically for trainers. 

This session provided attendees with practical techniques they can take back to their JATC programs, enhancing their ability to teach complex metal layouts to apprentices and ensuring the skills are effectively passed on to the next generation of insulators.

Canvas Updates and Vendor Presentations

IIIATF Assistant Administrator Sam Tafolla provided an in-depth update on the Canvas Learning Management System, which has been gradually rolled out over the past year. Tafolla, who has been leading the implementation since he became the assistant administrator, showcased the new features and improvements that have been introduced. 

While many JATCs have already switched to Canvas, Tafolla emphasized the ongoing efforts to support those still in transition and ensure that all training programs can fully benefit from this powerful educational tool.

Following this, representatives from Knauf Insulation, BMA Media Group and Midwest Fasteners shared insights into their products and services. 

David Wear from Knauf discussed innovative insulation solutions.

He was followed by BMA Media President Jerrod Borkey and Operations Manager J.J. Borkey, who talked about some of the current IIIATF marketing initiatives in development. The father-son team also reviewed many of the resources available to JATC Coordinators throughout the union. 

Steve Grushetsky from Midwest Fasteners highlighted their latest products designed to meet the needs of union mechanical insulators.

Conference Conclusion

The 2024 JAC proved to be an exceptional gathering of training coordinators, trainers and industry experts. The conference provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic planning within the labor community.

“Every year, the JAC Conference raises the bar on peer training, and this year was no exception,” Stahl said. “The commitment to embracing new technology and innovative training methods is truly inspiring.”

The 2024 JAC showcased the Insulators Union’s dedication to the professional development of apprentices and the advancement of the labor movement. 

The IIIATF Steering Committee members, who began working on this event shortly after the 2023 conference concluded, deserve recognition and appreciation for making this year’s JAC Conference a success.  

Thanks to the following members of the IIIATF Steering Committee: Local 5 Los Angeles Training Coordinator Lupe Moreno, Local 6 Boston Training Coordinator Dan Kirwin, Local 12 New York  Training Coordinator Joe Rodgers, Local 14 Philadelphia Training Coordinator Edward Krawczyk, Local 16 San Francisco retired Training Coordinator Bill Hodges, Local 16 Training Coordinator Jonathan Blaine, Local 17 Chicago Training Coordinator Shawn Craven, Local 17 Trainer Ben Frank, Local 18 Indianapolis Training Coordinator Todd Conn, Local 23 Harrisburg Training Coordinator John Fritz, Local 24 Washington D.C. Training Coordinator Jim Hoos, Local 32 Newark Training Coordinator Derek Vergari, Local 95 Toronto Training Coordinator Trevor Weir and Local 110 Edmonton Training Coordinator Dan Annett.